Rank Transfer

Allow pilots to receive a rank promotion based on experience from other VAs.

Staff
Last verified: January 30, 2026

Rank Transfer allows experienced pilots to skip starting ranks when joining your VA. Instead of like-for-like hour transfers, vAMSYS uses a direct entry system where pilots are promoted to a specific rank if they meet the requirements.

Direct Entry, Not Like-for-Like

vAMSYS does not transfer a pilot's entire hour and point history. Instead, pilots who qualify receive the hours and points required for your designated transfer rank - nothing more. This ensures all pilots earn their way through your rank structure while still recognising prior experience.

Accessing Rank Transfer Settings

In Orwell, go to Settings → Rank Transfer. You need the View Airline Settings permission.

Transfer Types

There are two types of rank transfer:

Internal Transfer (vAMSYS to vAMSYS)

For pilots who fly with other vAMSYS Virtual Airlines. The system automatically checks all their other vAMSYS pilot accounts and sums their hours and points. If the total meets your transfer rank requirements, the transfer is approved automatically.

  • Fully automatic - no staff review needed

  • Checks hours and points from all vAMSYS pilot accounts

  • Processing happens in the background (usually within an hour)

External Transfer

For pilots with experience from non-vAMSYS Virtual Airlines. They must provide proof of their flight time (URLs to statistics pages, screenshots, etc.). These transfers require staff review.

  • Requires staff review - appears in Transfers queue

  • Pilots submit proof URLs and claimed hours

  • You decide if the proof is sufficient

Configuration

Setting

Description

Enable Rank Transfer

Master toggle to enable the feature

Transfer Modal Text

Markdown text shown to pilots when they apply. Explain your transfer policy and what to expect.

vAMSYS → vAMSYS Transfer

Enable internal transfers (auto-approved)

External Transfer

Enable external transfers (staff review required)

Internal Transfer Rank

The rank awarded to qualifying internal transfers. Shows required hours, points, and bonus points.

External Transfer Rank

The rank awarded to approved external transfers. Shows required hours.

Choosing a Transfer Rank

When selecting a transfer rank, consider:

  • The rank selector shows hours, points, and bonus points required for each rank

  • Most VAs use their First Officer rank as the transfer target

  • Internal and external transfers can have different target ranks

  • Honorary ranks cannot be used as transfer targets

Reviewing External Transfers

External transfer requests appear in Pilots → Transfers. This menu item only appears when external transfers are enabled. A badge shows the number of pending requests.

For each transfer request you can see:

  • Pilot username and name

  • Hours claimed

  • Submission date

  • Current status

Click Review to open the review modal, which shows:

  • Hours claimed by the pilot

  • Your transfer rank requirements for comparison

  • Proof URLs provided by the pilot

Click each URL to verify the pilot's claims. Then choose Approve Transfer or Reject Transfer.

Transfer Processing

When a transfer succeeds - automatically for internal transfers, or when you approve an external transfer - the system creates a transfer PIREP that awards the pilot the hours, points, and bonus points required for the transfer rank. The pilot's rank is then updated.

This happens in the background and may take a few minutes.

Important Notes

  • One-time only - Pilots can only apply for a transfer before filing their first PIREP. Once they have any PIREPs, the option disappears.

  • One application per pilot - Pilots cannot resubmit if rejected.

  • Pilots can fly immediately - They do not need to wait for transfer approval. They can book flights and file PIREPs while their application is processed.

  • Missed the window? - If a pilot missed the transfer deadline, use Pilot Invites to create a transfer PIREP with hours and points for them.

Tips

  • Use the Populate Default Text button - Provides a clear starting point for your transfer modal text.

  • Be clear about proof requirements - In your modal text, specify what proof you accept (VA statistics pages, flight logs, etc.).

  • Enable both types for flexibility - Most VAs benefit from offering both internal and external transfers.

  • Consider your rank structure - If your starting rank is already First Officer, transfers may not be meaningful. Consider what rank makes sense as a transfer target.

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